Planar Volumetric Device for Body Fluid Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional droppers are inefficient for volumetric body fluid sample collection, leading to sample waste and limited functionality, as they are difficult to control and occupy significant space, lacking features like filtering and reaction detection.
Innovation Solution
A planar volumetric device with a body fluid sample flow path, air pump, and air passage, allowing for precise observation and handling of samples, enabling the addition of filtering and reaction detection capabilities, and easy storage and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional dropper is used for body fluid sample collection, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it is difficult to control the amount of liquid samples collected and delivered
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional modules: a collection chamber for receiving body fluid samples, a flow channel with a defined path segment for volumetric measurement, and a storage chamber for holding excess samples. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall device simplicity and manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a traditional three-dimensional tubular structure to a planar two-dimensional structure. The flow channel is designed as a planar path segment with constant cross-sectional area, allowing volumetric measurement through length-based observation. This dimensional change simplifies manufacturing while enabling precise volumetric control through the relationship V = A × L, where V is volume, A is cross-sectional area, and L is path segment length.
2Manufacturing precision
If a modified dropper with collection bladder is used for volumetric collection, then volumetric collection is achieved, but excessive samples are wasted in the collection bladder
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the excess sample from the collection chamber through a drainage passage before it can be wasted. The drainage passage is positioned to allow automatic drainage of excess samples when the liquid level rises above a certain point, thereby preventing sample waste while maintaining accurate volumetric collection in the flow channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs passive drainage through gravity and capillary action in the drainage passage, eliminating the need for active pumping or additional energy input. The system automatically regulates itself by draining excess samples when the collection chamber becomes overfilled, achieving self-regulating volumetric control without external intervention.
3Manufacturing precision
If a tubular dropper design is used, then volumetric collection is possible, but the device occupies significant storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adopts a planar two-dimensional design instead of a traditional three-dimensional tubular structure. All functional components (collection chamber, flow channel, storage chamber, drainage passage) are arranged in a flat plane, dramatically reducing the device's volume and allowing for compact storage while maintaining precise volumetric collection capabilities through the defined path segment.
4Device complexity
If a single-function dropper is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot provide additional functions such as filtering and reaction detection
Solution Approach 1:
The planar device design incorporates multiple functions within a single integrated structure. The flow channel can accommodate filtering elements, the path segment enables visual detection of reaction substances, and the overall architecture allows for future integration of additional functional modules. This multi-functionality is achieved without significantly increasing device complexity, as all components are arranged in a unified planar configuration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The planar device reduces sample waste by allowing timely extraction and observation of sample accumulation, enabling precise volumetric collection and easy integration of additional functions like filtering and reaction analysis, improving usability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The air pump is configured to provide an operating air pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A planar volumetric device for quantifying and handling a body fluid sample is provided. The device has a planar main body, a body fluid sample flow path, an air pump and an air passage. The planar main body includes a first planar surface and a second planar surface. The body fluid sample flow path is disposed in the main body, and has a body fluid sample inlet, a middle junction and a body fluid sample outlet, wherein the middle junction and the body fluid sample outlet define therebetween a specific path segment, by which it is possible to externally observe to which extent the body fluid sample has filled up with the path segment. The air pump is configured to provide an operating air pressure. The air passage has a first end and a second end, wherein the first and the second ends are connected to the air pump and the middle junction respectively, and the specific path segment has a constant volume.